1 comments about Basic Book of Antiques & Collectibles.

1. The title is "The Basic Book of Antiques" you could say "by George"
   The book describes its self as "A definitive textbook for the beginning collector, covering the entire field of antiques and collectibles and all phases of antiquing for pleasure and investment" well that is a tall order but George Michael gives it a good try.
   The table of contents gives the best description of the range covered:
   1. How to collect and Enjoy Antiques
   2. Furniture
   3. Glass
   4. Ceramics
   5. Silver and Pewter
   6. Brass, Bronze, Copper, Iron, and Tin
   7. Folk Art and Wall Decorations
   8. Clocks, Cloths, Paper, and Miscellaneous Collectibles
   All pictures are black and white.

5 comments about The Complete Encyclopedia to Gi Joe (Complete Encyclopedia to G. I. Joe).

1. At first, I only wanted to see the new figures. But then I looked at the 60s figures and wanted the 40th Anniversary sets. I agree, the "prototypes" were fake but the book was still good. It is the only book I read. A great edition to your collection. Buy and Enjoy!



2. This book for some reason includes re-creations of proto-types. How do you recreate a prototype? Sounds like a dumb idea to me. ...I don't know, but I liked the book mostly because of the interesting photos of GI Joes, and the information that it added to what I already know. The parts of the book (like the value guide) which I thought were garbage I just skipped over. There are lots of entertaining photos in the book, and interesting information too. Is it some kind of Collector's Bible for GI Joe? No, I don't think so.



3. While Santelmo's book is valuable for all the interviews with early GI Joe creators, collectors who have not had experience handling rare items can be easily misled by the many photos of so-called "prototypes" which were "re-created" for the book. Because the "re-creations" are not clearly marked there is significant concern that when these surface in collecting circles they will be thought authentic because of their association with the book. The price guide is also virtually useless as it undervalues some very rare pieces and wildly overvalues some more common ones. Buyer Beware!



4. This book rocks! I can't say enough good things about it. Very well put together and great pics. It makes me want to get my joes out of the attic.



5. While some hardcore collectors and professional critics have found some small points to pick at in this book, most reasonable collectors will find it to be just what it purports to be: A very good standard reference guide to one of our all time favorite toys G.I. Joe. So find a comfortable chair, turn off the TV, flip open the book and get reacquainted with a old childhood friend G.I. Joe.

2 comments about Ceramic Coin Banks: Identification & Value Guide.

1. This 200 page softbound book contains over 1,000 full color, large, sharp photos of every type of ceramic coin bank. Each entry includes the description, size, dates and value (1997). Although essentially an I.D. and value guide, there is a considerable amount of information of value and interest to the collector. Included are: Ceramic Manufacturing Processes, Dating, Condition, Rarity Ratings, Geographical Ceramic Manufacturing Centers, and Photo Notes. Chapters range from Human heads, Humans, Cats, Dogs and Elephants, to Squirrel, Fish, Monkeys, Lions, Vegetables, Pots, Books, Vehicles and Ships and Purses. A complete glossary and bibliography are provided. Very useful for collectors of this popular topic.



2. This is a great book for the established or beginning coin bank collector! It really has a great variety for any type of specialized ceramic bank afficianado. As a long time collector & seller I recommend this book to any one!

No comments about Early American Furniture: A Guide to Who, When, And Where.

4 comments about Best Furniture Buying Tips Ever!.

1. As an Interior Designer I found this book an interesting read. I like to check out books written for the public to see what kind of advice is being given (there's a lot of bad information out there). This book offers insight into the furniture buying world of which the public is often unaware. Be warned, though, if you are used to bargain hunting this isn't likely to help you find a $50 sofa or $30 dresser. This is intended for people who want to buy better quality, long-lasting furniture. (she talks about good dressers starting at $1200 - for some people this may seem like a lot of money).
   
   It is also most helpful for people who live near a city as she talks a lot about shopping design showrooms. One thing I did not see mentioned is that trade showrooms usually require that public shoppers be accompanied by a trade professional or at the very least have a legitamate letter from one (and an appointment) stating exactly what the client will be looking at. Many of these places will not offer assistance or pricing to the public without such. You'll need to investigate this prior to embarking on your shopping trip. If such is the case, your best bet here is to have a design professional aid in the process or you will have to pay outrageous retail prices. The Design Center usually offers these services (for a fee).
   
   That said. She does explain a lot of terminology found in furniture buying as well as many pitfalls (one being that your average furniture salesperson's opinion varies markedly and can often be based on fabricated speculations). Ms. Letwin also offers an education on furniture styles for those who are interested.
   
   If you are shopping for quality pieces that you plan to have for the rest of your life you may find this book helpful. It pays to be forewarned. For the price it can't hurt to get this book.



2. Enjoyed the book. Learned about furniture shopping. Especially good for people that live near the cities whose furniture stores she reviewed.



3. This book was such a great help. I use it as a source for everything, most recently for online antique shopping. I never would have known which stores to check out -- and to trust -- without the information I found in this book. It's great.



4. I recently purchased a new home and had decided that I wanted completely different furnishings. I had no idea where to start and Best Furniture Tips became an invaluable guide. It enabled me to understand various styles,furniture terminology, what to look for in a piece of furniture and information on how to negotiate prices.
   
   I especially liked the advice and insights from some of the nation's top designers. Since I travel frequently the book was easy to take along and enabled me to check out design centers and stores in other cities in my spare time.
   
   Litwin has a pleasant writing style that explains in easy to understand English all the furniture jargon and pricing structures which many times seem overwhelming to a buyer. I would recommend this book to anyone who is contemplating a furniture purchase. Armed with this, one can confidently enter any store and not feel like a babe in the woods.
   
   One suggestion, buy her previous book, Furniture Hot Spots to find out where the really good stuff is.

No comments about Lladro.

3 comments about Fifty Years of Collectible Glass 1920-1970: Easy Identification and Price Guide : Tableware, Kitchenware, Barware and Water Sets (Identification and Price Guide , Vol 1).

1. Great book for the avid collector of 20th century glass. Arranged by style, this reference book is easy to use. What would make this book a 5 star book? More color photographs would make this an unbeatable buy.



2. This book lives up to it's title "Easy Identification"....I would recommend it to both new collectors as well as the experienced one! Loads of background information on glass companies as well as values!



3. The great thing about this book is that the patterns are arranged by type of pattern rather than alphabetically. When trying to identify something, an alphabetical listing isn't a lot of help. Having patterns arranged by whether they have diamonds, flowers, flutes, hobnails, etc. makes a lot more sense and I wish more glass books were organized in this fashion. The authors have done a great job. If there is anything about this book I would change it would be to have more of it.

3 comments about The Everything Collectibles Book: How to Buy and Sell Your Favorite Treasures--From Fabulous Flea Market Finds to Incredible Online Deals (Everything Series).

1. I have purchased other books in this series that have been rather skimpy and--the truth be told--boring. But the COLLECTIBLES edition is anything but. I picked up a healthy helping of tips and techniques on collecting (and have visted some of the super recommended Web sites). But I also learned a great deal about history through the collectible items featured in the book--like stamps and coins. The political items chapter was fabulous. And I love the cool collectible pictures throughout the book. The variety was neat. This is just a fun and informative book!!!



2. This is a great starter book for collectors of all kinds. Just the Web site recommendations alone are worth the purchase price. I found a super wholesale distributor for flea market sellers (like me) that I didn't know existed!!! I've since placed an order for dolls, collector knives, etc. at rock bottom prices!!! Another thing I really like about this book is its breezy and witty approach to things. The author gives us histories of so many collectible items. I'm not a postcard collector, for instance, but I found reading about them fascinating. This book is just plain fun!!!



3. This book is worth getting for all the cool websites it lists, but as a bonus you get gobs more good stuff. It's an interesting intro to collectibles of all kinds. There's practical information and fun historical tidbits about collecting and collectibles. I learned a lot of things I didn't know. I'll be an educated consumer when I visit the flea markets and garage sales in my town. This book totally rocks! As they say on ebay: A+++++

1 comments about Knives 2004: 24th Annual.

1. As a new knife maker I found this book to be very helpful in visualizing knife design and the different styles. You wont believe the craftsmanship displayed in this book. I would highly recommend this book not only for knife makers but buyers as well.
   Criticisms; I would have left out the ads in the back of the book and had fewer "factor trends", personally I would have paid a few dollars more to leave them out and see more custom knives. More color pictures would be nice as well. But still overall it has definitely set the bar for me in quality knife making. Great job Joe and staff I look forward to the 2005 addition.

5 comments about Antiques of the Future.

1. This book was beautifully photographed, but only one item per page. I was looking for more items, especially items that didn't originally cost a fortune.



2. This is the perfect gift for someone who appreciates great design in everyday objects. Who would have thought these items would become collectable! Lisa Roberts obviously recognized something special before any of us did and I surely hope there is a second book in the works. I have really enjoyed sharing my Antiques of the Future with friends and family.



3. It's a really pretty book. That's all I have to say.



4. A Christmas gift for my mother. She is enjoying it immensely. She said it is very informative, entertaining, and well written.



5. This book has very little information. I expected more products to be reviewed.